Culturally Responsive Resources

Culture plays a role not only in communicating and receiving information, but also in shaping the thinking process of groups and individuals. It is critical that advocacy efforts acknowledge, respond to, celebrate, and honor the cultures, experiences, and perspectives of individuals and families, not only to support them more effectively, but to support equitable access to victim services as well. The following documents, podcasts, toolkits, and webinars were selected because of their potential to help further understanding of the diverse populations across Michigan advocates encounter and endeavor to support every day.

Building Understanding of the Communities We Serve

It is commonly understood that one form of oppression cannot be dismantled without working to end all forms of oppression; they are systemically and personally intertwined.

Michigan crime victims are as diverse as our state’s population and many experience oppression as part of their daily lives.  It is essential that crime victim advocates actively engage in efforts to educate themselves about other cultures and communities; evaluate, reflect on, and deliberately address their own biases, prejudices, and stereotypes; and continue on their journey in becoming anti-oppressionists in their work with individuals and systems.

The following resources are not related to providing services to crime victims.  They are a sampling of opportunities to learn more about communities, cultures, and history with which many might not be familiar. Knowing more can help advocates be the best they can be for those needing or desiring support during perhaps, some of the hardest days of their lives.

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